Craving a mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further! This Mexican Beans and Rice recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's not just delicious, but incredibly easy to whip up. Packed with aromatic spices, hearty beans, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, get ready to unlock a world of flavor in just half an hour!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains with the onion and spice mixture, toasting the rice for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth to the rice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for approximately 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- While the rice is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans.
- Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the black beans, allowing them to warm through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains.
- Toast for Flavor: Don't skip toasting the rice with onions and cumin - this step builds incredible depth of flavor.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Use the right amount of vegetable broth to achieve perfectly cooked, not mushy rice.
- Low and Slow: Simmer rice on low heat with a tight-fitting lid to create even, tender cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and steam finish the cooking process.
- Fresh Garnish: Add cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color.
- Customize: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for extra texture and heat.Pro tip: This dish is even more delicious the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra for leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
